Oscar-winning director Michel Hazanavicius ("The Artist") and supporting actress Octavia Spencer of "The Help" are among the 176 artists and execs invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences this year.

In addition, the Academy Board of Governors has approved a name change for the Art Directors branch to the Designers branch, emcompassing production designers, art directors, set decorators and costume designers.

Hazanavicius and Asghar Farhadi ("A Separation") were each invited to join both AMPAS writer and director branches, while Grant Heslov ("The Ides of March") received an invitation from the writer and producer branches. Each must choose one branch upon accepting membership.

"These film professionals represent some of the most talented, most passionate contributors to our industry," said Academy prexy Tom Sherak of the 176 invitees. "I'm glad to recognize that by calling each of them a fellow Academy member."

Wow that's great for Grant and congrats to him..... but I was quite taken aback at some of the actor names that are just now being invited! Tom Berenger and Ken Howard are just NOW being invited to join? That's amazing considering how long they've both been in the business. But I guess a lot of Ken's work was in television so I guess that makes sense.

I wonder which branch Grant will choose. I mean he's great at writing but perhaps directing would be a more prestigious area? Not sure.